The New Orleans 100 - 100 word stories & 100 second videos on topics of intrigue

An Exercise in Personal Branding

To hone in on your personal brand, try this simple exercise with a friend or colleague. Simply jot down five adjectives or verbs that describe you. Ask your friend to do the same. Then compare notes. Once you understand how others see you (and how you see yourself), ensure your descriptors and actions sync. Then you are ready to market yourself.

Using this information, you can then write a 30-second positioning statement, highlighting your personal brand. You will understand which unique strengths you possess, allowing you to use them to authentically position yourself in the business world and beyond.

This is part two of a three-part video series on personal branding. Stay tuned for the next episode.

– Betsie Gambel, Gambel Communications

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Business News

Karen’s Lighter Side

We all know WWL-TV’s anchor Karen Swensen for her award-winning journalism. Eyewitness News’ favorite journalist has covered everything from Hurricane Katrina to the most recent U.S. Senate and New Orleans mayoral debates. What many of us may not know is that her favorite festival is Jazz Fest, and her biggest career influence is Hoda Kotb (she was Hoda’s intern).

Karen also started her own T-shirt company, Life’s About Change, that helps raise funds for cancer research. She is also the author of “Catherine the Great and Her Teatime Tagalongs,” a children’s book inspired by her daughter.

– WWL-TV, Part of TEGNA Local Louisiana

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History

Video From 1950s Full of Pontchartrain Beach Nostalgia

This 1955 video shows the heyday of Pontchartrain Beach. The amusement park, located on the south shore of Lake Pontchartrain, operated from 1928 until 1983 and was one of New Orleans’ most beloved attractions. (The Historic New Orleans Collection, gift of Sue Budde, in memory of her husband, Joe Budde, 2007.0357.4.1)

These summer days have us reminiscing about Pontchartrain Beach. With beaches, restaurants and rides, it was a popular summer destination in New Orleans.

This video, taken by Joe Budde in 1955, highlights some of the park’s most memorable attractions, including the thrilling Zephyr roller coaster, sky-high Ferris wheel with its stunning view of the lake, and a spectacular evening fireworks display. It also showcases some fantastic vintage fashions.

The park closed in 1983 after 55 years of business. For more memorabilia from this New Orleans hot spot, follow The Historic New Orleans Collection this week on Facebook and Instagram.

– Eli A. Haddow, The Historic New Orleans Collection

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Events

Celebrate Independence Day at the 27th Go 4th on the River

Don't miss the fireworks display on the river this Fourth of July. (Photo courtesy of Go 4th on the River)

Whether you watch from the East Bank or the West Bank, you don’t want to miss the 27^th annual Go 4^th on the River. This Independence Day event is a unique New Orleans-style salute to America’s freedom.

The Fourth of July fireworks exhibition features two dueling barges painting the sky from the Mighty Mississippi and can best be seen and enjoyed from the French Quarter, Crescent City Park or Algiers Point.

WWL-TV is a proud returning media sponsor for this unmissable New Orleans’ celebration ranked as the fifth “must-see” fireworks display in the United States.

– WWL-TV, Part of TEGNA Local Louisiana

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Architecture

VFW Post, Revitalized

VFW Post 8973 has a long legacy in uptown New Orleans. The Post was named for Alfred E. Flynn, a native of the neighborhood killed in action in during WWII.

After Hurricane Katrina, Post 8973 faced possible extinction. In 2010 though, revitalization began, and in seven years membership has soared to over 300. In November of 2016, they broke ground and began renovations on the Post. Plans for the space include welcoming both veterans and the community for events. Construction is nearly complete, and the proud veterans are anxious to open their doors soon and carry on the Post’s legacy.

– Guy Williams, President and CEO, Gulf Coast Bank & Trust

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Theater

JPAS’s 40th Season Is About to Begin

JPA is offering a variety of shows in its 40th season to continue to enrich the area's cultural scene.

Jefferson Performing Arts Society is proud to announce its 40th anniversary season and the grand re-opening of the Westwego Performing Arts Theatre!

Offering performances for the 2017-2018 season at the beautiful Jefferson Performing Arts Center and the Westwego Campus Venues, JPAS continues to fill a once empty void of professional arts.

Their mission is to promote arts performance, training and outreach by providing a diverse range of quality programs that entertain, educate and enrich the cultural and economic vitality of Jefferson Parish, Greater New Orleans and the Gulf South. For more on Flex Passes and tickets click here.

– Jefferson Performing Arts Society

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Volunteer

Beyond Business

NOLA Chamber Ambassadors and Staff “giving back” at Beignet Fest 2016.

Doing good is good for business. As an organization connected to some of the city’s most philanthropic and socially conscious companies in the region, the New Orleans Chamber staff has seen firsthand just how much of an impact these organizations can make on our community.

Did you know that 64% of millennials won’t take a job if a company doesn’t have a focus on corporate social responsibility?

The Chamber wants to know what you and your company are doing to make NOLA a better place. Submit your community service news to info@neworleanschamber.org for a chance to be featured!

– Sandra Lindquist, The New Orleans Chamber of Commerce

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Business News

Select Comfort Slides Into NOLA

Select Comfort Corp., parent company of the well-known Sleep Number beds, is expanding its footprint in Louisiana. (Photo courtesy of Glassdoor)

GNO Inc. is thrilled to welcome Select Comfort, an outstanding publicly traded company, to the greater New Orleans market. Business and government leaders from around the region and state worked in partnership to demonstrate the unbeatable business case of Louisiana.

Our combination of competitive costs and superior workforce will ensure great success for Select Comfort in Jefferson for years to come. The project will create 225 new direct jobs while Louisiana Economic Development estimates an additional 104 new indirect jobs will result from the project, for a total of more than 325 new jobs in the southeast region of Louisiana.

– Michael Hecht, GNO, Inc.

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Tricentennial

Tricentennial History: Tremé

Tremé continues to be a center of rebirth for the New Orleans community. (Photo courtesy of Green Global Travel)

Tremé is our country’s oldest African-American neighborhood, “back of town” from the French Quarter. This subdivision was created in the 18^th century and named after plantation owner Claude Tremé. It was the only area of New Orleans (and the South) where freed slaves could own property in the 19^th century.

Congo Square lies at the center of the faubourg, a cultural center from its founding until today. Although the neighborhood declined after the interstate was built, the creation of Armstrong Park and its incorporation of Congo Square helped rejuvenate the area, and Tremé continues to experience rebirth.

– Scott Hutcheson, Senior Advisor to the Mayor on the Cultural Economy

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weather

Weather Link 4 & WeatherBug Connect School With Reality

A recent view of the Weather Link 4 camera at Newman High School in New Orleans.

During the 1990s, WWL-TV partnered with WeatherBug to create a school network called Weather Link 4. The network connected school curriculums with the science and climatology of weather. The network has expanded to include local businesses who participate by placing weather stations and cameras on location.

Currently we have 90 local sites that are operational allowing WWL-TV meteorologists to showcase weather happening live around our region. You often see beautiful sunrises courtesy of this network. Recently, while our meteorologists were live on-air, the Estelle Elementary camera caught flying debris from a tornado near the school. Learn more.

– WWL-TV, Part of TEGNA Local Louisiana

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Health

Ochsner Cancer Institute Receives Grant From Texas 4000 Student Cyclists

Student cyclists from Texas 4000 for Cancer present a $10,000 contribution to Ochsner.

Twenty-one student cyclists with the Texas 4000 for Cancer, the longest charity bike ride in the world, stopped at the Gayle and Tom Benson Cancer Center at Ochsner Medical Center to present a $10,000 contribution to Ochsner’s Radiation Transportation Fund, which helps patients defer travel costs associated with regular radiation therapy visits.

Texas 4000 Founder Chris Condit was treated for Hodgkins Lymphoma at Ochsner as a child nearly 25 years ago. The mission of his foundation is to raise awareness, funds and hope in the ongoing fight against cancer.

For more information on Ochsner Cancer Institute, click here.

– Troy Scroggins, MD, Department Chairman, Radiation Oncology, Ochsner Cancer Institute

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television

Candy Crush Comes to TV as a New Live Action Game Show

The set of the Candy Crush game show is similar to the fan-favorite app. (Photo courtesy of CBS)

Your favorite online game, Candy Crush, is jumping from your phone to your living room. The new live action game show hosted by Mario Lopez is based on the worldwide phenomenon mobile game franchise and premieres Sunday, July 9 at 9PM on WWL-TV Channel 4.

The new live TV show, inspired by the video game, promises to bring fans the same thrilling level of excitement. The game comes to life as teams of two use their wits and physical agility to compete on enormous, interactive game boards featuring next generation technology to conquer Candy Crush and win the championship.

– WWL-TV, Part of TEGNA Local Louisiana

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Business

Work With Clients Who Share Your Vision

It's important to work with clients who share your ideals.

As a business owner, you should create a mission statement that you can firmly stand behind. Once you’ve articulated what you and your team believe in, align your company with clients who share the same vision.

Just like marriage and friendship, a shared set of values is a significant driver in successful relationships. It allows for easier communication and a better understanding of goals. When you understand and identify with how your client thinks, driving those business results will become easier.

By seeking clients with similar vision, you’re showing your commitment to those ideals, contributing to client retention and growth.

– Natalie Ghidotti, The Arkansas 100

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public relations

Repurpose, Repurpose, Repurpose

Repurposing content can save time and resources when you are in a content rut.

Repurposing content is taking content previously used for one purpose and reusing it for another. It’s a useful strategy that allows you to reach a broader audience and diversify your content while maintaining consistent messaging. Try these repurposing strategies:

Create a social post out of an underperforming newsletter to address your audience directly, possibly catching the eye of a follower who dismissed your previously sent newsletter.

Repurpose old photos for new creative graphics to use on social media, a blog or eNewsletter.

Repurpose videos by cutting them into short videos to create an innovative mini-series to post on Facebook.

To learn more tips, visit here.

– Haley Haas, The Atlanta 100

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Gambel Girl

Just Who Do You Think You Are?

This is part one of a three-part video series on personal branding. Stay tuned for the next episode.

Everybody knows Barbie and what she stands for. A personal brand communicates who you are, what you are good at and how you can help others. A brand is important to tell others what you stand for, allowing you to advance.

How do you identify your personal brand? It starts with figuring out some key things about yourself and how you would like to convey them. Think about your values, mission and unique strengths. With these pieces, you can start to tell your story.

A word of advice: maintain authenticity and avoid empty socializing, and success will follow.

– Betsie Gambel, Gambel Communications

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Business News

Dave Nussbaum’s ‘The Forecast of My Life’

WWL-TV’s meteorologist David Nussbaum has been a TV and weather enthusiast since fourth grade. He was his high school’s first weatherman and built upon that experience at California University of Pennsylvania where he earned a degree in Operational Meteorology.

Dave laughs, “I went from being very afraid of storms to chasing them!”

He worked in different cities and stations as a meteorologist before landing in NOLA. Dave started working at WWL-TV in 2014 and since, every hurricane season, he keeps viewers up to date on severe weather. He also visits local schools to teach students about weather patterns.

– WWL-TV, Part of TEGNA Local Louisiana

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Nonprofit

Just Keep Swimming …

In a city surrounded by water, many NOLA residents can’t swim, but the Ashley Kelly Swim Program works to change that.

After losing her sister Ashley in a drowning accident in 2003, Latoya Kelly joined forces with the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation to help New Orleans residents learn the importance of water safety. With the help of the American Red Cross, Tulane and Loyola Universities, and Gulf Coast Bank & Trust Co., AKSP offered free swim lessons to more than 300 NOLA residents age 5 and up this year. Participants learned to swim and learned the importance of preserving Lake Pontchartrain.

– Guy Williams, President and CEO, Gulf Coast Bank & Trust

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Business News

Naturally N’Awlins, With a Twist

Kevin is cooking up fun Naturally N'Awlins style.

Kevin Belton is a New Orleans native and an award-winning chef who makes regular appearances on the Eyewitness Morning News. He is also a great observer of all things New Orleans.

Kevin has taken the mantle of the revered “Naturally N’Awlins” franchise at WWL-TV, putting his original spin on the events, traditions and characters that make our area truly unique. His recipe for a good story starts with some enthusiastic curiosity mixed with the respect and appreciation of the ingredients that make the New Orleans area what it is. He then tops it off with fun, and serves.

– WWL-TV, Part of TEGNA Local Louisiana

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Tricentennial

Tricentennial History: The Double Dealer

From 1921-1926, The Double Dealer was the South's premier literary magazine. (Photo courtesy of Know Louisiana)

The South is known for many things, but outside of our little world, our literature can often go overlooked. This was even more true in the ’20s, when a group of journalists and poets decided to start The Double Dealer in New Orleans.

The publication featured literary greats like Ernest Hemingway, William Faulkner and Sherwood Anderson, among others. Its goal was to increase the legitimacy of Southern writing and authors. The ’20s was the ideal time for the publication in New Orleans, as many bohemian artists flocked to the French Quarter for its reasonable cost of living and historical significance.

– Scott Hutcheson, Senior Advisor to the Mayor on the Cultural Economy

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Economy

GNO, Inc. Praised for Excellence in Economic Development

People and businesses continue to recognize NOLA and Louisiana for their economic growth.

Louisiana and Greater New Orleans continue to receive national recognition for our sustained economic turnaround. In the “Best to Invest Awards” issue of Site Selection Magazine, GNO, Inc. was awarded the Mac Conway Award for Excellence in Economic Development. The Award recognizes the top Economic Development Agencies across the United States.

In the same publication, the state of Louisiana was recognized as a top 10 state for economic development. States were ranked based on categories including new and expanded facilities, capital investment, job creation and state tax climate. This was Louisiana’s seventh top ten showing in the past nine years.

– Michael Hecht, GNO, Inc.

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Health

June Is Men’s Health Month

June is the perfect time to plan your annual check up.

June is National Men’s Health Month. On average, men are less likely than women to visit their physician, follow up on symptoms and risk factors, or get recommended screenings.

While many men hesitate to discuss erectile dysfunction and low testosterone, these issues have been linked to serious conditions like heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Addressing these important concerns can help find serious conditions when they are easiest to treat.

Ochsner’s Men’s Health Clinics offer same-day, concierge-style appointments specializing in these issues, providing access to multiple specialists in one location. For more information, click here.

– Eric Laborde, Director, Men’s Health Clinic, Ochsner Medical Center

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Sports

‘4th Down on 4 Saints Minicamp Special’ Airs this Friday at 6:30pm on WWL-TV, Channel 4

Doug Mouton hosts "4th Down on 4 Saints Minicamp Special."

As the Who Dat Nation anxiously awaits the return of football season, Saints Minicamp gives us a glimpse of what we can expect on the field for 2017. The three-day mandatory minicamp is this week and comes on the heels of the rookie minicamp and OTAs.

Tune into WWL-TV, June 16 at 6:30pm to watch “4th Down on 4 Saints Minicamp Special.” Doug Mouton will break down news from minicamp including roster updates and injury reports. Our sports team will also provide insight on new faces and stand-out players on the road to the regular season.

– WWL-TV, Part of TEGNA Local Louisiana

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Events

Fill up Your Cup: Creating a Better You

Photos from FestiGals, a women’s getaway weekend designed to help women develop professionally and personally.

When there’s a pile of paperwork on your desk and a full inbox of emails, sometimes it’s hard to break away. Make professional & personal development a priority:

• Schedule “Think Time” – Reflect on what you really want.

• Engage Your Strengths – Start a side hustle or find an outlet that motivates you.

• Seek Opportunities – There is something for everyone! Not sure what to look for? Attend a conference that is a one-stop shop for self-improvement like FestiGals.

• Employer Assistance – Struggle breaking away? Work with your supervisor to find balance.

After all, investing in you will pay off in the end.

– Sandra Lindquist, New Orleans Chamber

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television

The Search for Ramona Brown

Where is Ramona Brown? Tune in on June 22 to find out. (Photo courtesy of WWL-TV)

In 1984, an Algiers house fire left two boys dead and their sister, 3-year-old Ramona Brown, missing. Investigators never found a trace of her in the debris.

Thirty-three years later, a family member revealed that she recalls Ramona getting into an unknown car. Their grandmother remembers a call from someone she swears was Ramona days after the fire. The alleged kidnapping and the call were never reported to police.

Watch “The Search for Ramona Brown” on Thursday, June 22 at 9PM on WWL-TV, to learn new information and see renderings of how Ramona might look now.

– WWL-TV, Part of TEGNA Local Louisiana

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History

Summer Program Offers Free Admission to Military Families

THNOC is a proud member of Blue Star Museums.

Blue Star Museums offers U.S. military personnel and their families free admission to museums nationwide. In effect since 2010, the program is a collaboration among the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families and the Department of Defense.

The Historic New Orleans Collection is proud to join more than 2,000 institutions across the country, and 17 sites in Louisiana, participating this year.

Now through Labor Day weekend, THNOC is offering active-duty military — including Reserve and National Guard personnel — plus five immediate family members free admission to its Williams Residence tour or its Architecture and Courtyard tour.

– Anne Robichaux, The Historic New Orleans Collection

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Health

June 27 Is National HIV Testing Day

T-Cell Clinic's founder, Dr. MarkAlain Dery, works to provide HIV testing and education for his patients every day. (Photo courtesy of Tulane School of Medicine and Sally Asher)

June 27 is a day to better understand HIV. As National HIV Testing Day, it provides an opportunity for the one in eight people living with undiagnosed HIV to be tested. The CDC estimates that 1.2 million people in the U.S. are currently living with HIV.

In New Orleans, the Tulane T-Cell Clinic provides a free, discrete and convenient location to be tested and get the facts about HIV. Dr. MarkAlain Dery founded the clinic with the phrase “care with confidence” in mind. He and his fellow physicians assist their patients through testing, education, treatment and beyond.

– Sarah H. Centorino, The New Orleans 100

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travel

Fingerprint, Facial Scanners at the Airport?

Passengers may soon be able to board flights using their fingerprints. (Photo courtesy of Delta Air Lines)

In 2004, the International Air Transport Association began pushing airlines to issue electronic tickets. Prior to that, most passengers received their tickets through the mail from a travel agent or from an airline ticket office.

Soon we may not even need electronic tickets or scans on our smartphones. Delta is testing a pilot program at Reagan National Airport for SkyMiles members to use their fingerprints to check bags and board their flight.

JetBlue is testing facial recognition technology that uses images verified through the US Customs and Border Protection database to allow passengers to board flights from Boston to Aruba.

– Jan Schroder, Girl on the Go

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Health

Deskercise and What You Should Do to Get on Board

Research suggests workday inactivity could detrimentally affect the long-term health of working professionals.

Research by the Mayo Clinic suggests inactivity at your desk job could be slowly killing you. Here are some insider tips to easily increase your activity around the office:

Get a stationary bike. You can score a stationary bike that fits under your desk on Amazon for as little as $26.

Stand up. Decrease your risk of obesity, diabetes and heart disease by spending part of your day standing.

Take the stairs. Take advantage of a few minutes of exercise.

Go for a walk. Instead of emailing your co-worker, make the short trek down the hall to their office.

– Kelly Hughes, The Oklahoma 100

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Pets

Have a Safe Summer With Your Pets

Avoid walking your dog in the middle of the day. Concrete pavements and blacktop surfaces heat up quickly in the sun and can burn your pet's paws.

The summer activities we love can cause our pets stress, or even pose a danger to them.

Keep your pets safe with these summer safety tips:

– Remind guests not to feed your pets. Picnic staples like alcohol, chicken wings and desserts can be dangerous to pets, and the artificial sweetener “xylitol” in sugar-free foods can be deadly.

– Only use sunscreen or insect repellent on your pets if the label says it’s safe for animals.

– Keep pets home during firework displays. Create an area where they feel safe and comfortable. Distract them with ambient noise from a TV or radio.

– Brent Bardell, SPCA Tampa Bay

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